COVID-19 Information
A Message From
Balboa Nephrology
We are monitoring COVID-19 closely and continue to introduce measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Our top priority is the health and safety of our patients.
The COVID-19 vaccination is one of the most important tools to end the COVID-19 pandemic. We are strongly encouraging you to get the vaccination when you are eligible and able to do so.
While our Balboa Nephrology Offices do not have the vaccines available, we encourage our patients to get vaccinated at the various locations available through the county. Visit the California Department of Public Health’s MyTurn.ca.gov page to find a walk-in clinic or schedule an appointment.
We recommend that transplant recipients receive the COVID-19 vaccine and boosters. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines both have similar mechanisms (mRNA technology) are not live viruses and are safe in transplant recipients.
Find a vaccination clinic near you:
San Diego County
Imperial County
Orange County
Vaccines.gov
Current Appointment
Protocols:
Our doctors are available for in-person or telehealth appointments. Please contact your provider for details. Please see current in-person appointment protocols below:
- Masks are required and all Balboa Nephrology waiting rooms will maintain social distancing with only 1-2 patients allowed with a minimum of 6-feet apart.
- If you are experiencing a medical emergency, seek care right away.
- All patients with respiratory or COVID-19 related symptoms are being treated through Telehealth (Video Visits).
- If you are unsure or have questions about your upcoming appointment, please call the office where you have your appointment.
- Please know that your health is important to us. We will continue to provide updates as the situation evolves.
If you do not have access to the MyChart Patient Portal, please call (858) 810-8000.
Our team will be able to help you set up your account and activation.
COVID-19 Vaccination Updates
Posted 11/3/2022: CountyNewsCenter.com
The COVID-19 virus continues to circulate in San Diego County and all people are urged to be vaccinated and receive the updated booster. Information on the virus and vaccine is available at this link.
Posted 7/5/2022: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
In San Diego, the community level is Medium. Stay up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccines and get tested if you have symptoms. If you are immunocompromised, it is recommended you wear a mask with greater protection in public indoor spaces. Talk to your healthcare provider about whether you need to wear a mask or take other precautions. Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order free at-home COVID-19 tests. Visit www.covid.gov/tests.
Posted 5/21/2022: Healio Nephrology News & Issues
Although COVID-19 vaccines lower the risk of infection among kidney transplant recipients, breakthrough infections can occur, and researchers recommend patients continue to receive boosters when available.
Posted 5/19/2022: The Washington Post
Households can now order eight more free at-home coronavirus tests. The tests are available at covid.gov/tests.
Effective 5/19/2022: The Washington Post
One-third of Americans live in communities where coronavirus cases and hospitalizations are rising. People who live Northeast and parts of the Midwest and West are urged to resume taking personal protection measures, including wearing masks in indoor public spaces.
Posted 5/13/2022: National Kidney Foundation
The National Kidney Foundation provides key-points on Kidney Care & COVID-19 including coping strategies.
Effective 5/1/2022: The Washington Post
The new omicron variants that have emerged in recent months appear to be even more transmissible than previous versions of the virus.
Effective 4/27/2022: CountyNewsCenter.com
To align itself with the state, the County Health and Human Services Agency is now using the California Immunization Registry (CAIR2) to record the number of San Diegans who have received COVID-19 and other recommended vaccines.
Effective 4/19/2022: The Washington Post
You don’t have to wear a mask on planes. Do it anyway, experts say. With coronavirus cases rising, health experts advise continuing to mask up in the sky
Effective 3/30/2022: CountyNewsCenter.com
Close to 1 million San Diegans qualify now for the COVID-19 vaccine booster, yet have still not received their dose, the County Health and Human Services Agency announced today. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Western States workgroup have approved an additional COVID-19 vaccine booster —Pfizer or Moderna— for people 50 and older. Eligible San Diegans in this age group can now get the second booster locally.
Effective 3/29/2022: U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized a second booster dose of either the Pfizer-BioNTech or the Moderna COVID-19 vaccines for older people and certain immunocompromised individuals.
Effective 3/15/2022: UC Davis Health
The omicron variant of COVID-19 has become the dominant strain of the virus circulating in the U.S. and the rest of the world. It’s more easily spread than previous strains because it has more mutations than any other variant so far.
Effective 3/3/2022: CountyNewsCenter.com
A panel of doctors participated in a virtual event Thursday that addressed COVID-19 misinformation brought up by members of the public at the March 1 County Board of Supervisors meeting.
Effective 2/16/2022: CountyNewsCenter.com
Research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that COVID-19 vaccine boosters remain effective at preventing hospitalizations and very effective and preventing severe illness.
Effective 1/11/2022: CountyNewsCenter.com
The County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency is reporting record numbers of new COVID-19 cases and urges San Diegans to take precautions. This includes: getting vaccinated, getting a booster – boosters are now available and recommended for everyone 12 years and older, wear a mask indoors when in public places, get tested only if you have symptoms, stay home if you’re sick, if tested positive, isolate for at least five days, seek treatment from your doctor if you have moderate to severe symptoms.
Effective 1/7/2022: CountyNewsCenter.com
Due to markedly increasing COVID-19 cases and the resulting strain on the local health care system, County health officials are urging San Diegans to get all the recommended vaccines and to get tested only as necessary.
Effective 1/5/2022: CountyNewsCenter.com
County health officials are urging San Diegans not to go to local emergency departments for COVID-19 testing. Local hospitals are experiencing an increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations, as well as staff shortages due to the coronavirus and are preserving their resources for patients who are seriously ill.
Previous Updates
Effective 10/26/21: CountyNewsCenter.com
COVID-19 vaccination boosters are now recommended and available for everyone who qualifies. While all three available COVID-19 vaccines have now been approved as boosters, people should stick to the vaccine they originally received. However, they may choose a different one if necessary – per the County of San Diego Communications Office. If you meet the CDC’s eligibility criteria, visit the California Department of Public Health’s MyTurn.ca.gov page to find a walk-in clinic or schedule an appointment for a vaccine booster shot near you.
Effective 6/8/21: CountyNewsCenter.com
After registering a case rate of less than two COVID-19 cases per 100,000 residents for two consecutive weeks, the San Diego County will move to the Yellow Tier of the state’s reopening framework beginning Wednesday, June 9.
Effective 5/28/21: CountyNewsCenter.com
While the number of local COVID-19 cases has significantly decreased in recent weeks, not enough San Diegans have been vaccinated for the region to achieve herd immunity. While the number of local COVID-19 cases has significantly decreased in recent weeks, not enough San Diegans have been vaccinated for the region to achieve herd immunity.
Effective 5/17/21: CountyNewsCenter.com
The County of San Diego will follow state guidance regarding facial coverings until the expected full reopening of the California economy on June 15. The California Department of Public Health announced today that facial coverings will continue to be required in most indoor settings for another four weeks. This will allow Californians, especially children 12 and older who only last week became eligible for Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine, to get vaccinated.
Effective 5/14/21: CountyNewsCenter.com
Starting Saturday, May 15th, youths ages 12-17 who want to get a COVID-19 vaccination in San Diego County without a parent present will have to provide a signed form to show their parent or legal guardian has given permission.
Effective 5/13/21: CountyNewsCenter.com
San Diegans ages 12-15 are now eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. The California Department of Public Health last night approved Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine for use in that age group and the County’s vaccine sites are prepared to start vaccinating children in this new age group today.
Effective 5/7/21: CountyNewsCenter.com
The County of San Diego is making it easier for businesses and community organizations to host mobile vaccination events at their place of business. Beginning today, businesses can fill out an online request for a mobile vaccination team to come to their worksite.
Effective 5/6/21: CountyNewsCenter.com
Continuing to look to make it as easy as possible for people to get COVID-19 vaccinations, the County of San Diego Thursday started night hours at three vaccination sites, extended appointment windows for all sites and announced it plans to set up more pop-up, drop-in clinics.
Effective 5/4/21: CountyNewsCenter.com
Starting, Thursday, May 6th three County COVID-19 vaccination sites in North, East and South County will start offering evening hours for San Diegans. The three clinics will be administering Pfizer and Moderna vaccines to people with and without appointments. People are welcome to drop-in whether for a first dose or a second dose that is a follow up to a dose received elsewhere.
Effective 4/29/21: CountyNewsCenter.com
Fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear masks outdoors in public unless they’re in crowded places. This is one of many activities the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now considers safer for people who are fully immunized. The state has adopted the new CDC mask guidelines and the County is also easing the same restrictions in the region.
Effective 4/27/21: CountyNewsCenter.com
San Diegans wishing to get a COVID-19 shot can now show up at a County-hosted clinic and get vaccinated without an appointment.
Effective 4/14/21: CountyNewsCenter.com
Starting April 15, everyone 16 and older will be able to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Currently, only the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are available in the region. Use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine has been paused while it is reviewed following recent safety concerns.
Also going into effect April 15 is new guidance on gatherings, private and indoor live events, and performances. With San Diego County now being in the Orange Tier, outdoor activities of up to 50 people are now permitted. Indoor gatherings are strongly discouraged but are allowed with modifications and if they do not exceed 25 people.
Effective 4/1/21: CountyNewsCenter.com
All San Diegans 50 and Older Can Get COVID-19 Vaccine. More San Diegans will be able to get vaccinated against COVID-19 now that the state and the County have expanded eligibility to include all people between 50 and 64 years of age, the first group in Phase 2.
Effective 03/30/21: via CountyNewsCenter.com
Residents of Southeastern San Diego and nearby areas will now have an easier time getting vaccinated against the novel coronavirus. COVID-19 vaccinations are now being administered at the Educational Cultural Complex in Mountain View, 4343 Oceanview Boulevard, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.
Effective 03/30/21: via CountyNewsCenter.com
The County is continuing to expand its efforts to equitably distribute COVID-19 vaccines to populations who have suffered the worst outcomes from the pandemic. In February, the County began piloting multiple health-equity focused methods to ensure that eligible County residents who live in the hardest-hit communities can get vaccinated outside of the traditional online appointment system. Learn more about Project SAVE!
Effective 03/26/21
People can also go to Rite Aid, Walgreens and CVS. Check each location website for complete details. Additionally, if your Primary Care Physician is with Scripps or Sharp, you may be able to get your vaccination through them. Check with your PCP for more information.
Effective 03/26/21: via CountyNewsCenter.com
The County is continuing to open vaccination clinics in communities most impacted by the pandemic. Please check the County website for complete details.
- Tuesday through Saturday
9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
North Inland First United Methodist Church
341 Kalmia Street – Escondido - Beginning March 30
9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday through Saturday
Mountain View Educational Cultural Complex
4343 Ocean Boulevard -Southeastern San Diego - Beginning March 31
9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Sherman Heights Community Center
For residents of the 92102 and 92113 ZIP codes
Effective 03/23/21: via Sharp.com
The County of San Diego is currently vaccinating individuals in all tiers of Phases 1A, 1B and 1C. Sharp is following state and county guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination, including phases for vaccine distribution.
Effective 03/22/21: via CountyNewsCenter.com
Two new COVID-19 vaccination clinics are opening in the region and will take measures to focus on people in communities hit hardest by the pandemic. A walk-up clinic will be administering vaccines from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University, located at 5500 Canyon Crest Dr. in San Diego.
Effective 03/21/21: via Patch.com
The county’s first and largest vaccination super site at Petco Park, which administered more than 200,000 Moderna vaccines, has closed in preparation for Padres opening day.
Effective 03/16/21: via CountyNewsCenter.com
The state notified the County today that it will be allowed to lift some COVID-19 restrictions starting Wednesday and move from the most restrictive Purple Tier into the less restrictive Red Tier.
Effective 03/08/21: via CountyNewsCenter.com
The arrival of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine will make it easier for San Diegans to be vaccinated against the virus.
Effective 03/03/21: via CountyNewsCenter.com
Given the ongoing shortage in supply of COVID-19 vaccine doses in the region, local vaccination sites are prioritizing people with second appointments.
Effective 02/26/21: via CountyNewsCenter.com
Beginning tomorrow, San Diegans who work in emergency services, child care and education, food handling and agriculture workers can sign up for COVID-19 vaccination appointments.
Effective 02/26/21: via CountyNewsCenter.com
The County is offering free COVID-19 testing to residents 6 months of age or older. To locate a testing site, please visit http://211sandiego.org or call 2-1-1. Not sure if you should get tested? This CDC guide may help: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/testing.html
Effective 02/24/21: via CountyNewsCenter.com
The County of San Diego announced Wednesday that COVID-19 vaccinations will open Saturday, Feb. 27, to people who work in emergency services, child care and education, and food and agriculture (including grocery stores). Currently, health care personnel, long-term care facility staff and residents, and those who are 65 years and older are eligible for vaccines.
Effective 02/23/21: via CountyNewsCenter.com
Nearly 80,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses shipped to San Diego County have begun arriving in the region, allowing for the rescheduling of all missed second doses and the widespread resumption of first dose appointments.
Effective 02/22/21: via CountyNewsCenter.com
New COVID-19 vaccinations sites are opening in Lemon Grove and Otay Mesa, the County Health and Human Services Agency on Tuesday, February 23rd and Sunday, February 28th.
Effective 02/18/21: via CountyNewsCenter.com
Due to delays in Moderna vaccine shipments to San Diego, all County COVID-19 vaccination points of dispensing, or PODs, and the North County Super Station in San Marcos are currently only offering appointments for second dose.
Effective 02/14/21: via CountyNewsCenter.com
A new COVID-19 vaccination site will open Feb. 14 in Vista, capable of providing up to 500 doses daily. The new clinic will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sundays and Mondays at the Linda Rhoades Recreation Center, 600 North Santa Fe Ave.
Effective 02/12/21: via CVS.com
Learn where the COVID-19 vaccine is now available at CVS Pharmacy®, by appointment only. When you’re eligible, schedule your first and second doses of the vaccine online. Check back for updates on additional locations as they become available.
Effective 02/12/21: via CountyNewsCenter.com
The County of San Diego today announced a shortage of vaccine caused by the delayed arrival of an expected Moderna shipment. Vaccination sites county-wide will slow and, in some cases, will pause with appointments rescheduled. The shipment is expected now on Tuesday. Visit the San Diego County website for details.
Effective 02/11/21: via CountyNewsCenter.com
A vaccination super station will open Feb. 12 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. The drive-up and walk-up site, operated by Scripps Health, will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday and Sunday and can ramp up to deliver 5,000 doses daily. Appointments are required.
The COVID-19 vaccination site in San Marcos is now immunizing seniors 65 years of age and older, especially those who do not have access to a computer or someone to assist them.
Effective 02/03/21: via CountyNewsCenter.com
The County has opened four vaccination super stations and operates 15 smaller community points of dispensing (or PODs). All County vaccination super stations and PODs require appointments and can be made at vaccinationsuperstationsd.com.
Effective 02/02/21: via CountyNewsCenter.com
San Diegans who qualify and want to get vaccinated against COVID-19 will have one more place to do so when the County opens a vaccination super station on Feb. 2 in La Mesa. The La Mesa site, operated by Sharp HealthCare, will open at the Grossmont Center shopping mall, 5500 Grossmont Center Dr., Suite 212. Appointments are required.
Effective 01/31/21: via CountyNewsCenter.com
The County opened the region’s third Vaccination Super Station at the California State University San Marcos Sports Center. It will be open to the public from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday. Appointments are required and can be made online at www.VaccinationSuperStationSD.com. [VIDEO]Effective 01/29/21: via CountyNewsCenter.com
The County’s expanding COVID-19 vaccination efforts now include the opening of a site at Tubman Chavez Community Center. Starting January 29th, the site will offer COVID-19 vaccinations from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. every Friday and Saturday.
Effective 01/28/21: via SanDiegoCounty.gov
- To make it easier for San Diegans to make an appointment to get vaccinated against the COVID-19, the County launched a new interactive map showing all the vaccination sites.
- People in Phase 1A and 65 years and older can now make appointments through the new English and Spanish site.
- MTS will provide free bus or trolley rides to the vaccination super stations to those who have vaccination appointments for that day by simply showing their printed out appointment confirmation.
Effective 01/27/21: via Sharp Community Medical Group
- A patient can register at myturn.ca.gov, and will get a text when they are in a group being vaccinated.
- Friday 1/29, Sharp will start vaccinating tier 1B tier 1: those age 65 and older, or those at risk of exposure at work in these sectors: Education, childcare, food and agriculture.
- The next group, Phase 1B tier 2: Those at risk of exposure in these sectors: transportation, industrial, commercial, and residential sheltering facilities, and critical manufacturing. Also Incarcerated and homeless individuals. Click here for COVID-19 Vaccine Phases.
Effective 01/23/21: via SanDiegoCounty.gov
- The County of San Diego expanded the category of those eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccination include those aged 65 and up.
- Appointments are still required and vaccinations are available based on supply.
- More information is at coronavirus-sd.com/vaccine and reservations can be made at vaccinationsuperstationsd.com.
Effective 01/22/21: via SanDiegoCounty.gov
Today the County opened the first South Bay Super Vaccination Station operated by Sharp Healthcare in Chula Vista at the former Sears at 565 Broadway. They will begin vaccinations January 22 for Sharp Health Plan members and patients of Sharp Rees-Stealy, SharpCare and Sharp Community medical groups who are age 75 and older.
A smaller, County run vaccination clinic in National City opened at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center located at 140 E.14th Street. It will be vaccinating people from 9:30am – 3:30pm, Sunday through Thursday and will have 500 COVID-19 doses available daily.
Both locations will be vaccinating people in Phase 1A tier and people 75 years and older in Phase B and require appointments which can be made at VaccinationSuperStationSD.com. Those who don’t have access to a computer can call 2-1-1 for assistance in making an appointment.
Effective 01/18/21: healthcare workers, others in Phase 1A (all Tiers), and those aged 75 and older may visit County vaccination sites, including the Petco Park Super Station. For those 65 and older, the County intends to begin vaccinations for this population before the end of the month, pending vaccine supply. Doctors, pharmacists, and other healthcare providers may administer vaccinations to those 65 and older, if they have doses available.